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Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Sylvia Dodson Obituary
She was preceded in death by her parents, Eddie and Muriel Riley; her brothers, Eddie Riley (Junebug) and Charles Riley; her best friend, Gat Abston; and her step-grandson, Josh Gamble.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Gaither C. Dodson, Sr.; her sons, Toby Dodson (Cindy) and Gaither C. Dodson, Jr.; her daughter, Hope Kelley; her granddaughters, Brandi Harrison, Diamond Dodson, Dezarea Dodson, and Loryn Pate; her grandsons, Cory Dodson, Hunter Dodson, and Dylan Smith; her great-granddaughter, Mariah (Punk) Pate; her daughters-in-law, Caroline Dodson and Niki Dodson; her sisters, Gladys Audette, Lillie Giles (Aurther), and Ruby Mink; her brother, Billy Kirt Riley (Betty); and loving nieces, nephews, and family.
Mrs. Dodson retired as a Tuscaloosa County Schools bus driver after 20 years. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a helping friend to everyone she knew.
Pallbearers will be David Webber, Barry Webber, Jason Omstead, James (Jimbo) Hallman, Jonathan Hallman, and Jeff Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers are Melvin Sexton, Ruth and Jack Price, Johnny and Pat Rackley, Tuscaloosa County School System bus drivers and employees, Dr. Leonard Jones, employees of Toby Dodson Vinyl Siding, Dot and Donnie Hallman, Wendy Tolbert and Boo Boo and Haley, Charlotte and Tommy Dodson and family, Alton and JoAnn Hyche, Martha Price, Brian and Tiffiney Bryant and children, Billy Dockery (Pappy), Faye and Robert Simmons, Patricia and Mack Fondren, Rev. Robert Green, best friend of 40 years Vera Abston, Dr. Hinton and employees of DCH Cancer Center, Hospice of West Alabama, Ray Hayes, Michael Kelley, Marty and Christy Abston, friends of Peterson and Brookwood, Jeff and Susie Robertson, Bill and Rhonda Squires, Mr. and Mrs. James Avery, Jane Omstead, Faye Robertson, Peggy Hoagland, Billy Wayne Garner, Mary Price, Tim and Carl Price, Glenn and Bonita Price and Dorothy, Charles and Wilma Brackner, Pat Madison, Fred and Sadie Callison, Velma Sadler, Mertle Clark, Palmer and Betty Kizziah, Don Boyd, Ricky Hayes, Jackie Bank, Carol Webber, Earline and Butch Marr, Doris Quilliams, Linda and Willard Travis, Judy Williams, James and Gail Cherry, and Mark and Wanda Stanley.
Thank you to special granddaughter Diamond Dodson and sister-in-law Patricia Riley for the love and care they gave during her illness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sylvia Dodson
January 3, 2011
Hope,little Gaither,Big Gaither and Toby,
Words cannot express the feeling of sorrow that I have at the passing of Aunt Sylvia. I always thought she would be there to greet me with her smile. She was the best Aunt in the whole world! She took me in and helped me when I thought I couldn't go on! I'll never be able to repay her kindness. The only thing I can do is keep living my life the way she would want me to. Aunt Sylvia you will be missed!
Brenda Riley-Kimler
December 25, 2010
I remember when I lived at Grandma Riley's for a few months with my sisters, we often played at Aunt Sylvia's house. I was always welcome and always loved by Aunt Sylvia. Aunt Sylvia always smiled. I am a better person for having had her in my life. God blessed us all when Sylvia Jean was born. I wish all of her family peace and contentment.
Brenda Riley-Kimler
December 23, 2010
Aunt Sylvia was the best Aunt in the world. I remember staying at her house often when my sisters and I lived with Grandma Riley for awhile. I always felt love in her home. Aunt Sylvia always had a smile on her face. I am a better person for having known her. God blessed us all with Aunt Sylvia Jean! She is truely an Angel!
Brenda Riley
December 23, 2010
I will miss Sylvia Jean as she was a great Aunt and a great person. She was all about family and would have done anything for me. I am a better person for having had her in my life. God blessed us all when Sylvia was born! I remember going to her house everyday tp play when my two older sisters and I we lived with Grandma Riley for awhile. Those are good memories! You will always be a part of me Aunt Sylvia.
Brenda Riley-Kimler
Betty Riley
December 21, 2010
Sylvie's greeting to me whenever she called was: "This is your greatest sister in-law in the whole wide world." She truly was that. She was the BEST of the best! She was always kind to me and never judmental. Love for her family was always first and there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her children.
I met and later married her brother, Billy Kirk, when the Riley family came to Norfolk, VA to work summer jobs at Ocean View Amusement Park. I remember one attraction which required you to pick up a heavy sledge hammer and strike a certain spot which would send the ball up to hopefully ring the bell at the top. This made you a WINNER. Sylvie would pick up the sledge hammer with one hand and make her strike sending the ball up and ringing the bell over and over again. I think she was probably 15 or 16 at the time. It was amazing, as well as amusing, to see man after man try to send the ball up using two hands and she could do it with only one! Another thing I remember about Sylvie that same summer was her Flat-top haircut. This was a guy's haircut but Sylvie didn't care. She liked it, so she got the cut. That is the kind of person she was. No matter what others thought she lived her life her way.
I am so glad I was able to spend a few days with Sylvie, Gaither and their family in October just two months before God called her home.
I miss her and she will remain in my heart always.
Betty Riley (Billy Kirk)
Betty Marie Crabtree
December 20, 2010
We will all miss Aunt Sylvia! She was a grand lady. She was the first female in my life who I met that stood up for her self and took no crap from anyone. I admired her so much! She showed me through her actions that women did not have to be like a “Leave it to Beaver” mom and yes sir and no sir everyone. She gave me hope as a female at a time when females were still supposed to keep quiet and not speak their mind. She was fierce when taking care of her family and as sweet and generous as they come! I loved her deeply.
Betty (Atchenson) Canavan
December 20, 2010
Gaither and family,
I went to school with Sylvia. She was truly one of a kind. Beloved by all. There is a brighter star in the heavens since she is there. Please accept my condolences
Becky Lovette
December 18, 2010
To the Dodson Family--Blessings and prayers, are sent your way, today. May God comfort and keep you, during these difficult days.
Becky Hallman Lovette, Muscle Shoals
Pamela( Evans) Alewine
December 17, 2010
Big Gaither , I am so sorry to hear about sylia jean! She will be greatly missed ! She was loved by all!
Beverly Franklin
December 17, 2010
Hope, Gaither and Family,
Sorry to read about your mother. I don't know if you remember me or not. I went to school with you (Beverly Davis). I pray that God will give you strength to get through this. Here at Christmas, I know it makes it much harder. God Bless and keep you all.
Beverly Franklin
Rhonda Squires
December 17, 2010
Sylvia will be greatly missed by all that knew her. I know you're hanging out with Daddy up there now and that gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling and somehow makes it easier. Rest in Peace!
denise swindle
December 17, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Susan Riley Roberts
December 17, 2010
Uncle Gaither and Family,
Aunt Sylvia was the greatest aunt in the world and there was no other one like her anywhere. We loved her dearly and know, with Peace that she is no longer suffering. She is now at home with Jesus and has joined daddy there.I know that she no doubt gave him his many kisses on the cheek as she always did when she saw him here. They had an incredible love for each other. Please know that we will be praying for all of you. We understand well what you are going through at this time.
With love and prayers,
Susie and Jeff Roberts
Larry & Paulette Kornegay
December 17, 2010
Mothers are special, she was truly special in all ways. She will be missed by all of us. Wonderful Grandmother.
Cindy, Dewayne, Brittany & Lane Riley
December 17, 2010
You will always be in our thoughts Aunt Silvey.
Cindy, Dewayne, Brittany and Lane Riley
December 17, 2010
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Jack West
December 17, 2010
May God bless each and every one of the family at the passing of Syliva Jean. May God give you the comfort and strength that you need and to know that she's at home with her Father in Heaven
Jack and Charlene West and Family
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